A city that is quickly becoming a preferred destination for both businesses and youngsters, Pune is both traditional and cosmopolitan. Of course, it’s not just the culture, but the proximity to several hill stations near Pune is making it a preferred tourist destination. Whether it is historical glimpses or summer getaways, this Indian city has much to offer to its guests.
Hill stations near Pune in the Western Ghats are home to the most scenic and spectacularly brilliant hill retreats in India. The rolling green slopes are strewn with brooks and water cascades that can energize even the most discerning traveler. Lonavala and Matheran are well known as weekend getaways, but there are others that are worth visiting.
To help you plan your next vacay to best hill stations you must visit, Skyscanner has picked a few favourite hill stations in Pune for you with complete details on the weather and best time to visit.
1) Lonavala
A gorgeous hill station near Pune, Lonavala is located at the height of 622 m in the Sahyadri mountain range that separates the Deccan plateau and the Konkan coast. One of the most visited and favoured weekend getaways for people in Mumbai and Pune, this hill retreat boasts of caves, forts, lakes, and waterfalls amidst dense timberlands and verdant greenery. It’s also known for its variety of ‘Chikki.’
Ideal Trip Duration: 2-3 days
Base station: Lonavala
Nearest City: Pune-67 km
Best Time to Visit: July-Oct
Peak Season: Aug-Sept
Weather: Summer: Max – 31°C – Min – 18°C Winter: Max – 25°C – Min – 12°C
2) Matheran
One of the smallest hill stations and favourite monsoon getaways in Maharashtra, Matheran lies at an altitude of 800 m in the Western Ghats. The place is eco-sensitive and is the only automobile-free hill station in Asia. Offering plenty of panoramic views of the mountain range, you can hike, trek or rock climb. You can even enjoy a toy train ride up the mountains.
Ideal Trip Duration: 2-3 days
Base station: Matheran
Nearest City: Mumbai-94 km
Best Time to Visit: July-Oct
Peak Season: Aug-Sept
Weather: Summer: Max – 38°C – Min – 21°C Winter: Max – 34°C – Min – 13°C
3) Khandala
If you travel another 5 km from Lonavala station, you will reach Khandala, another popular weekend retreat hill station near Pune. Khandala is known for its exquisite views, deep vales, lush vegetation, waterfalls, and lakes. It is a popular hiking destination where the Rajmachi Fort, Duke’s Nose, Visapur Fort, Korigad Fort, Tung and Tikona Fort are the chief trekking zones in Khandala.
Ideal Trip Duration: 1-2 days
Base station: Lonavala
Nearest City: Lonavala-5 km
Best Time to Visit: July-Sept
4) Panchgani
With the Wai, Bavdhan and Nagewadi, Gureghar, Khingar, Rajpuri and Dhom dams surrounding it, Panchgani lies 1334 m high between five hills north in the Sahyadri mountain range. A favoured summer retreat, the Rajpuri Caves, Table Land, Parsi Point, Kamalgadh Fort, Devil’s Kitchen, Sydney Point, Mapro Gardens, and Dhom dam are must-visit attractions.
Ideal Trip Duration: 1-2 days
Base station: Panchgani
Nearest City: Pune-104 km
Best Time to Visit: Sept-Feb
Peak Season: Sept-Dec
Weather: Summer: Max – 31°C – Min – 18°C Winter: Max – 25°C – Min – 12°C
5) Bhandardara
An enchanting village on the banks of the river Pravara at the height of 750 m in the Western Ghats, Bhandardara is a hill station near Pune. It is famous for its green cover and tranquil environs, stunning waterfalls, and refreshing air. Home to Mount Kalsubai, the highest peak in Maharashtra, Bhandardara’s rocky landscapes make it a fantastic trekking point.
Ideal Trip Duration: 1-2 days
Base station: Bhandardara
Nearest City: Pune-157 km
Best Time to Visit: Sept-Feb
Peak Season: Sept-Nov
Weather: Summer: Max – 41°C – Min – 20°C Winter: Max – 30°C – Min – 9°C
6) Mahabaleshwar
One of the most evergreen places in the world, Mahabaleshwar in the Western Ghats lies 1,353m above the sea level. Once the capital of the Bombay province, this picturesque hill retreat offers a pleasant climate, captivating views, lush greenery and several tourist attractions you can explore. A boat ride on the Venna Lake is a must-do when in Mahabaleshwar.
Ideal Trip Duration: 2-3 days
Base station: Mahabaleshwar
Nearest City: Pune-123 km
Best Time to Visit: Jun-Oct
Peak Season: Aug-Sept
Weather: Summer: Max – 31°C – Min – 18°C Winter: Max – 25°C – Min – 12°C
7) Malshej Ghat
A delightful hill station with its beautiful lakes, magnificent waterfalls, and lofty mountains, Malshej Ghat, is famous among explorers, trekkers, and nature lovers. Malshej Ghat is another hill station near Pune perfect for a weekend away from the crowds and pollution. Harishchandragad, Malshej falls, Pimpalgaon dam and Ajoba Hill are must-visits in Malshej. It’s a trek zone and bird watcher’s paradise.
Ideal Trip Duration: 1-2 days
Base station: Malshej Ghat
Nearest City: Pune-119.7 km
Best Time to Visit: Jun-Oct
Peak Season: Aug-Sept